As of March 23,2012, Saratoga Casino and Raceway is cancelling live harness racing, as a precautionary measure, due to cases of strangles that have been found on the backstretch.
Entry to Saratoga Race Course
Cases of horse strangles cause cancellation of harness racing at Saratoga.
Strangles (strepococcus equi) is an acute respiratory infection characterized by a fever, lethargy, nasal discharge and swollen lymph nodes. Saratoga Casino and Raceway is taking all the necessary preventative measures to ensure the infection does not spread to other horses.
"We have been in contact with the New York State Racing and Wagering Board regarding the issue," John Matarazzo, director of racing operations at the casino, said. "The Racing and Wagering Board has consulted with its Equine Drug Lab and is actively monitoring the situation."
Live racing is expected to resume April 11 and the track remains opens for simulcasting 7 days a week from over 100 tracks throughout North America.
In addition, officials at Buffalo Raceway have issued the following statement:
Until further notice: Any horse that has raced at Saratoga Raceway in the month of March or later will be restricted from entering the grounds of Buffalo Raceway; for any trainer who has raced at Saratoga Raceway in the month of March or later, that trainer's horses will be restricted from entering the grounds of Buffalo Raceway.